Book Review: De Grote Bromfiets Encyclopedie

Paul Hornby

Produced by the publishers of Bromfiets
magazine, "The Great Moped Encyclopedia", to give it its
translated name, describes itself as "the most complete Dutch
moped history", and who are we to argue, containing as it does
2165 photographs of 252 different moped makes built or sold in
the Netherlands between 1947 and 2000. With one or two
exceptions, the book only covers machines of 50cc or less, and
does not cover scooters. Each make is given an introduction
[in Dutch], followed by briefly captioned black & white
pictures [approx 3½" × 2"], often from the
period, of the machines.

Mention Dutch mopeds, and the British enthusiast will probably
think of the Batavus Go-Go, the Ankermatic [an example of which
this reviewer was a satisfied user for many years and which was
produced for the British market, but is, surprisingly, not
illustrated here], and the various Berini mopeds and the M13
'Egg' cyclemotor. But there was far, far more than that,
and this book illustrates the sheer variety and number of models
of mopeds and cyclemotors that have been available on the Dutch
market over the years, perhaps reflecting in part the more
enlightened transport policies and licencing regulations in that
country, when compared to Britain. We can only marvel at
the wonderfully stylish sports mopeds, such as the Avaros
Super 8, or the Locomotief HiFi 16, that were offered
to Dutch buyers. Here, mopeds go fifties Detroit, complete
with two-tone paint jobs, fins and fancy chrome trim. The
other side of the style coin, like the utilitarian and grey
Majoor moped also abound. But the book doesn't just deal
with Dutch machines. Imports, such as Ducati, Garelli,
Honda, Kriedler and Puch and many more, all feature.

And what of the Brits? Well, it seems our luckless
industry marketed quite a few machines in Holland, including
Bantamoto [so that's where they all went!], Cyclaid, Cyclemaster,
Cymota, Hercules Corvette, Mini-Motor, Raleigh and Winged
Wheel. How many were actually sold is another
matter.

Among the illustrations, there are quite a few Girls
Selling Mopeds in the groovy fashions of our mis-spent
youths. You may find some good fashion tips here for the
missus, if she's really wants to live that retro-moped lifestyle
to the full.

For the serious enthusiast and the student of moped design,
the Encyclopedie is a must, while for that next trip to Holland,
it is just the thing to put in the knapsack as a spotter's guide
to the moped exotica on the Winkelsplein.
Recommended. Only the price [approx £60+] and lack of
an English translation detract.